SUNGAI BULOH: An orthopaedic head of department at a public hospital in the Klang Valley, who was accused of sexual harassment, has been suspended from work for two months, starting Monday (Sept 17).
Announcing this, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the decision to suspend the department head, who has reportedly taken medical leave, was made by the Public Service Commission (SPA).
This, said the minister, was done under Regulation 43 to enable further investigation by relevant authorities, including the Health Ministry, to be carried out.
“The Health Ministry will begin its internal investigation next week. The report will be submitted to SPA for the termination of service of the department head.
“However, he is entitled to defend his position,” he told a press conference on Tuesday after a closed-door meeting with medical assistants and orthopaedic experts at Sungai Buloh Hospital, here.
Last week, an independent body set up to investigate the case recommended for the head of department to be suspended.
The case came to light in July when a local daily published accounts of his alleged sexual attacks on female housemen under his supervision. The specialist had reportedly targeted young female house officers, who were vulnerable since he possessed the authority to fail their housemanship.
Meanwhile, Dr Dzulkefly said his ministry has suggested that the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) revoke the head of department’s medical licence.
Asked whether if there were already complaints lodged on the matter prior to the media report on the issue, Dr Dzulkefly replied in the affirmative.
“There were complaints, (but) somehow the matter was not handled comprehensively.
“It was only when I put my foot down and said that I was going to get to the bottom of this that many voluntarily came forward.”
He said 31 meetings were held, with 38 witnesses having stepped forward.
Dr Dzulkefly said he will do his best to minimise the ‘collateral damage’ following the case.
“I will do my level best to ensure we will be able to rectify the situation. Remedial measures will be done to ensure the department will be able to get back to its feet.”
The minister also gave his assurance that there will be no transfer among house officers.
“There is no transfer in the near future and every case will be treated with utmost justice and fairness.”